In general, Toyota cars are associated primarily with reliability and high liquidity in the secondary market, but the flip side of these advantages is usually a boring character. There are not many exceptions to this rule, and one of them is the Toyota C-HR crossover.
When you hear the phrase “Toyota crossover,” the first thing that comes to mind is the RAV4, a car that in many ways shaped the class of modern crossovers. The bestseller in all its generations has long acquired an entire army of fans around the world, and one cannot yet dream of such success for the Toyota C-HR. Simply because this model is not the most typical for the brand. As the editors of CarsWeek and I found out, this is both a plus and a minus for her.
What she looks like
The body design, following the uncharacteristic name for the brand, reminiscent of Honda models, makes one doubt – is this really a Toyota? The car looks too bright and extraordinary! The sloping roof line with a spoiler is like a baseball cap pulled backwards, the unusually shaped headlights and lanterns echo the smooth lines and complex stampings of the body, and the coupe-crossover successfully disguises its five doors as a three-door entity. The only pity is that this youthful style runs counter to practicality – the hidden rear door handles are inconvenient to use, and the dashingly beveled trunk door has practically eliminated its usable volume. With all its appearance, the C-HR says that this model is the choice of those who want to check out, and not to drive. Therefore, such an image may scare away the conservative Toyota audience.
What's inside her
In the salon, at first glance, it seems that efficiency has fallen victim to showiness, but upon closer acquaintance, the opinion changes. Yes, the multimedia screen looks like it was stuck on top of the front panel, but it is quite convenient to use, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which appeared after the restyling, compensate for the external unsightliness of the interface and the paucity of capabilities. Yes, the interior is designed in a more playful style than other Toyotas, but this does not go against ergonomics. It's convenient and comfortable behind the wheel, except for the meager range of its reach adjustment, and it's quite possible to ride in the second row even with two people. In asceticism, but still. But funny “Easter eggs” in the form of diamonds scattered throughout the cabin partially compensate for the shortcomings in terms of ergonomics and shortcomings in equipment: you can have a fun time searching for all the elements of this shape and even – I’ll give you a life hack! – turn this into a little quiz with passengers!
What is it made of
Toyota C-HR is built on the GA-C platform of the global modular architecture of Toyota New Global Architecture and is produced in Turkey. The body is entirely steel, the crossover has MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link in the rear. All-wheel drive is implemented using a multi-plate rear wheel clutch from the RAV4, but it cannot be locked – unlike Rafik. On the Russian market, the Toyota C-HR does not offer a variety of modifications. There are two configurations, each of which has its own engine (gearbox – non-alternative variator) and drive type. The basic front-wheel drive version with a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine is the obvious choice for a city dweller, but the all-wheel drive crossover coupe with a 115-horsepower 1.2-liter engine looks more versatile.
How she drives
Despite the significant difference in power, supercharging gives the car a more groovy character. The turbocharged C-HR accelerates more actively, is more pleasant when overtaking and generally does not give the feeling of a small engine under the hood – or the impression that they saved money on you. The CVT is also surprisingly good, it is properly tuned and creates the feeling of a full-fledged automatic transmission. I want to go – and not just go, but go dynamically. This Toyota is ready and can be fun to drive!
The car was clearly created by people who were not without a driver's spirit. Before the advent of the crazy GR Yaris, perhaps it was the Toyota C-HR that could lay claim to the title of “hot” hatchback. Well, okay, if not “hot”, then definitely warmed up – the suspension, steering, brakes are tuned so that on winding roads you can enjoy driving the car. The downside of such habits is a fairly stiff suspension, which on bad roads will either shake the soul out of the driver and passengers, or force them to slow down to a comfortable pace.
So the perky design is supported by the same perky character. Well, if you don’t want to drive, move sedately in city traffic. If you plan to go off-road, don’t delude yourself. Yes, the C-HR has all-wheel drive, but this does not turn it into a Land Cruiser – it’s better not to venture into rough terrain, although you can overcome a muddy dirt road or a snow-filled yard.
Summary
Toyota has created an unusual car. On the one hand, this is the crossover format beloved by Russians, but on the other hand, it is an unusual and not the most practical, although fashionable, coupe-shaped subtype. On the one hand, this is a brand model that is quite conservative, but on the other, neither the exterior nor the interior have a hint of conservatism. Plus, the compact dimensions and fairly high price do not contribute to the popularity of the C-HR among buyers, alas and ah.
Not the most spacious interior, not the richest and most technologically advanced equipment, modest trunk, small-volume turbo engine, CVT, but all-wheel drive. The description is suitable for some modern city hatchback, but behind these words lies a crossover, albeit small. However, its character resembles a “hot” hatchback! This is the paradoxical essence of the Toyota C-HR – for a traditional crossover it is not very practical, and for a full-fledged hot hatch it is not “charged” enough.
The Japanese crossover coupe looks like a Pokemon. Most of the time he does not declare his capabilities, but when the owner wants, he can act out. Small, playful and eye-catching, the Toyota C-HR is not one of those cars that is chosen for practicality reasons. This model will be bought by those who want to stand out in traffic and enjoy driving. And for this reason, it would not be a pity to part with a fairly impressive sum, for which one could purchase a more functional, but less emotional car.